This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

NORTH SUMMIT BRAVES

The Hurry-up — North Summit finished 7-4 overall in 2015, 4-1 in 2A North league play, and lost to Beaver in the 2A state semifinals.

Class 2A champ Beaver, by scores alone, seemed to have an easy trek through last year's state championship — except when North Summit was the opposition.

One round shy of the title game, the Braves lost to the Beavers 14-6 to end Devin Smith's fifth year as North Summit head coach.

"It was obviously disappointing to lose in that game," Smith said. "We had chances to capitalize but were never able to do it. It stings."

From an experience standpoint, the Braves are in a prime position to reach for the school's seventh football championship, as most of the key players are seniors.

Adjustments will need to be made, however. North Summit will be playing on newly-installed artificial turf, which was put in to accommodate the football team and the girls' soccer program that was initiated last year.

"We just implemented soccer. We didn't have a place for a soccer field, because the school is on a hill and surrounded by homes," Smith said. "So, with soccer and football, they just didn't want the (natural) field to get beat up."

Quarterbacks — Braxten Northrup is the man at the controls for the Braves' run-oriented offense. The 5-foot-10 senior started the entire season at signal-caller a year ago. "He runs the ball well, but he does have a nice arm when we do pass — which isn't all that often," said Smith, who will look to Wade Woolstenhulme to back up Northrup.

Running backs — North Summit's triple-option attack will often look for production from Tristan Woolstenhulme (5-8, 170), a back that his coach says has "really good speed and is unbelievably strong for his size. In the years I've coached, he's also the hardest-working player I've had." Rand Pentz is also a "bruising-type back, but fast," Smith said, and will be joined by Cole Peterson and Logan Rex as part of the running arsenal.|

Receivers — Rex could also catch some passes from either a slot position or from a tight end spot. As far as stretching the field, the Braves will look to senior Gonzalo Portillo (5-8, 150) and junior Christian Martinez (5-8, 175). Portillo is also the team's kicker and a cornerback on defense, while Martinez's time on the field will increase plenty from a year ago.

Offensive linemen — The middle of the line is undecided, as the search for a center continues. But seniors Cache Larson (6-1, 205) and Kade Dixon (6-0, 250) should provide some stability at the guard spots, although Dixon took his junior year off from football. "He's kind of regretting he didn't play last year," Smith said. At tackle, big-but-agile Tyler Coleman (6-6, 230) is set for one spot while the other end is up for grabs.

Defensive linemen — Coleman and Larson were both starters on the defensive line last year and will hope to keep up their intensity and energy while doubling up on the O-line. Dixon also has a good chance of starting at defensive tackle, while seniors Nathan Simister, Kesston Mosher and Dalton Richins will provide both a starter and some depth at the defensive end positions.

Linebackers — In the Braves' 4-2-5 defensive scheme, the two inside 'backers are critical. Logan Rex (6-0, 185) will also play offense in multiple positions, but stopping the ball is this senior's forte. "Logan's biggest strength is on the defensive side," Smith said. "He works real hard, spends a lot of time in the film room." Rex will be joined by Pentz in the heart of the defense, where the pair combined for over a hundred tackles in 2015.

Defensive backs — For North Summit, safeties often look like outside linebackers, and Peterson actually led the team in tackles before he was hurt in Week 3. He and Tristan Woolstenhulme will provide experience at safety, while returning starter Portillo and Martinez will man the cornerback slots. Juniors Taten Ringel, who broke his ankle in summer activities and then missed the entire '15 season, and Quade Richins will also be a big part of the secondary for the Braves.

Key Players

Tristan Woolstenhulme, RB/LB — Driving forward for 1,224 yard and 10 touchdowns on offense, Woolstenhulme also accounted for 50 tackles defensively.

Logan Rex, RB/WR/LB — Rex was hard to avoid for opponents' offensive players, as he racked up 86 tackles for the Braves.

Braxten Northrup, QB — Scoring seven touchdowns on the ground, Northrup ran for over 200 yards while also passing for five TD strikes and over 600 yards.

Key Losses

Braden Richins, OT/DT — At 6-foot-6, Richins had a "big-time motor and was deceptively strong" in the trenches for North Summit.

Mason Richins, OT/DE — Like twin brother Braden, Mason was a two-way starter on the line.

Carter Wardrop, TE/DE — Wardrop and Mason Richins' presence at defensive end will be difficult to replace.

Name To Know: Rand Pentz is a two-time state wrestling champ and, while getting bigger (now 5-11, 200), is likely to be consistently involved in plays both offensively and defensively.

2016 Schedule

Aug. 19 — Layton Christian, 7 p.m. (Won, 32-0, in 2015)

Aug. 26 — at Duchesne, 7 p.m. (Won 15-14)

Sept. 2 — Enterprise, 7 p.m. (Lost 13-12)

Sept. 9 — at Beaver, 7 p.m. (Lost 21-17)

Sept. 16 — at Gunnison Valley, 7 p.m. (Won 34-7)

Sept. 23 — Summit Academy, 7 p.m. (Won 28-13)

Sept. 30 — at Millard, 7 p.m. (Won 39-13)

Oct. 7 — at American Leadership, 7 p.m. (Won 42-13)

Oct. 14 — South Summit, 7 p.m. (Lost 17-7)

Verdict: Barring a rash of injuries, the corps of experienced Braves should put North Summit in a position to challenge for the region title, if not more.

Projected finish in region: First